Articles
Mutual Gain Through Mutual Respect
Richard had great credentials, and management loved him. He was rocketing through the ranks and gaining credibility year after year. His office walls were covered with plaques, trophies, awards, and honors
Balancing Act
One of my favorite topics to discuss in youth sports is the idea of having balanced teams. Making a youth-sports program successful and creating a league with as much parity as possible are probably two of the
A Beautiful Moment
Maddy, a seventh grader, is one of five players on her co-ed recreational basketball team. She is a slight, wiry girl with shoulder-length brown hair, a quiet manner, and an engaging smile. But the boys and girls on
Field Maintenance
Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of maintenance for the average local parks and recreation department is natural-turf sports-field preparation for the spring season.
Passion With A Purpose
Duane Smith has always been passionate about sports. So, when he chose to switch careers—moving from education to parks and recreation—he funneled that passion in a new direction,
Create Exceptional Customer Service
My family and I recently visited Disney World, and while I went with high expectations of experiencing magic, I did not come away with an incredible feeling of exceptional service. We can all learn
Where's The Bully?
If you’ve spent any time watching TV, reading a newspaper or magazine, or talking to colleagues who work with kids, the topic of bullies has surely come up. Among the important issues to address:
Launch The Fleet
As the nation emerges from one of the coldest winters in recent memory, recreation specialists will begin to see water enthusiasts flocking back for sun, exercise, and water recreation.
A Natural Partnership Is Born
Although it was common knowledge that the local Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) store was the place to buy hiking boots and obtain topographical maps, the store was also a great place to find
Risky Business
As an expert witness called to testify by attorneys in numerous drowning or near-drowning cases, I’ve observed a victim’s family members attempt to ease the pain of losing (or almost
Due Diligence
In the following scenarios, ask yourself what you would do as a recreation professional:
An 11-year-old boy is at baseball practice. All the players on his team are actively participating in a drill.
Political Correctness
Robert G. Ingersoll, after visiting the tomb of Napoleon:
A little while ago I stood by the grave of Napoleon, a magnificent tomb of gilt and gold, fit almost for a
Enjoyable Experiences
Several years ago Mike Buchanan, the superintendent for the city of Manhattan (Kan.) Parks and Recreation Department, was tending to some business at the park on a warm Saturday morning in July.
"Fore" Effective Golf Course Maintenance
The modern game of golf evolved from what 15th-century Scots knew as “gowf,” when it was played on the rolling, sandy terrain common on Scotland’s eastern coast, called “links land.”
Bullying Prevention
Photo: © Can Stock Photo Inc. / barr5557Whether you are volunteering as a coach for a town league or a school, coaching youth sports is not easy. Finding the time between busy work schedules and fami
Pedaling Park Maintenance
Staff members of the Mt. Pleasant Parks Department in Michigan knew they needed a more efficient and earth-friendly way to complete daily park-maintenance tasks. After exploring
Maximizing Reach
The saying, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,” is undeniably true—especially in local government. Partnerships are often what make or break new legislation,
Youth Tackle Football
Is tackle football safe? The debate continues. In the past four years, the National Alliance for Youth Sports has been constantly asked whether the organization is for or against the sport
Kicking Up Customer Service
The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NOVA Parks) is a multi-faceted agency with 32 facilities serving three counties and three cities. NOVA Parks operates golf courses,